Gregory S. Berns
Distinguished Professor of Neuroeconomics and Director of the Center for Neuropolicy
Professor in Economics Department, Emory University
Ph.D. University of California, Davis, 1990
M.D. University of California, San Diego, 1994
Research Interests
Our lab studies the relationship of neural systems to decision-making by using a combination of computational and functional imaging techniques. The approach is called Neuroeconomics. We are particularly interested in the role of the basal ganglia in processing novelty and reward and how this region guides decision-making. Current studies are focused on risky decision making and the neural effects of social messages, the neurobiology of adolescent risk-taking, and neurobiological mechanisms of political conflict.
We use functional imaging techniques, such as fMRI, to probe the function of specific cortico-striatal circuits that we think are involved in motivation. By designing behavioral tasks that manipulate the relative novelty and uncertainty of the information being presented, we are able to probe these circuits in a targeted manner. By using subtle manipulations in the behavioral task, subjects are frequently unaware of their presence, and we are able to measure subconscious brain processes. The circuits that respond to subconscious information changes are also those circuits most commonly implicated in mood and substance use disorders.
Iconoclast
A Neuroscientist Reveals How to Think Differently
Recently published by Harvard Business Press (2008) and named by Fast Company as one of the 10 best business books of 2008.
800-CEO-READ Business Book Award in Innovation & Creativity for 2008.
Recent Publications
- Berns GS, Chappelow J, Zink CF, Pagnoni G, Martin-Skurski ME, Richards J: Neurobiological correlates of social conformity and independence during mental rotation. Biol Psychiatry 58:245-253, 2005. PDF (452 kB).
- Zink CF, Pagnoni G, Chappelow J, Martin-Skurski M, Berns GS: Human striatal activation reflects degree of stimulus saliency. Neuroimage 29:977-983, 2006. PDF (223 kB).
- Berns GS, Chappelow J, Cekic M, Zink CF, Pagnoni G, Martin-Skurski ME: Neurobiological substrates of dread. Science 312:754-758, 2006. PDF (229 kB). Supporting Materials (623 kB).
- Berns GS, Capra CM, Noussair C: Receptor theory and biological constraints on value. Annals NY Acad Sci 1104:301-309, 2007. PDF.
- Berns GS, Capra CM, Chappelow J, Moore S, Noussair C: Nonlinear neurobiological probability weighting functions for aversive outcomes. Neuroimage epub, 2007. PDF.
- Berns GS, Laibson D, Loewenstein G: Intertemporal choice -- toward an integrated framework, Trends Cogn. Sci., 11:482-488, 2007. PDF.
- Berns GS, Moore S, Capra CM: Adolescent engagement in dangerous behaviors is associated with increased white matter maturity of frontal cortex. PLoS One 4(8):e6773, 2009. Link. PDF.
